A decision to take two drinks of rum and then drive earned a radio announcer at a radio station a $4,000 fine yesterday.Anand Buchoon, of 102.7 FM Radio Jaagriti, pleaded guilty before San Fernando Traffic Court Magistrate Rehanna Hosein to driving under the influence.He was above the legal limit by 48 microgrammes.When Buchoon was stopped on Sunday around 2.30 am at Cipero Road, San Fernando, the police detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.Buchoon, the court heard, told the police he had a drink of rum by his cousin who was visiting from abroad.
Buchoon, the police claimed, also said: "I have to go run the radio station otherwise it will shut down."However, Buchoon denied telling the police those things.He admitted he had two drinks by his cousin. Buchoon explained he had just came from work, visited his cousin and was going to put gas in his car because he had to get to work early next morning.Buchoon said he did not realise his level would reach that amount with two drinks.The magistrate told him he might not think the alcohol was affecting him but it did scientifically. She said alcohol affects the body and one should not drive under those conditions.He was fined $4,000 or nine months' hard labour. He paid the fine forthwith.